Phillip Gary Jones

Phillip Gary Jones, 85, of Rolla passed away on Monday September 30, 2024, in Rolla. He was born April 2, 1939, in Chehalis, Washington to the late Gerry E. and Clara Edith (Metzenberg) Jones. He graduated from Chehalis High School in 1957 and attended Centralia College graduating in 1963 to attend the University of Maryland after that. 

On February 21, 1963, he married Kathy Adele Ridener in Vancouver, Washington. Phil worked as a Cartographer for the United States Geological Survey for 40 years before retiring. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and enjoyed his many hobbies and activities. Phil enjoyed playing tennis, racquetball, and golf; as well as collecting wind-up toys, coins, antique perfume bottles, playing Chit Chat with friends in Arizona, traveling (especially going on cruises with friends). Phil would live in 28 cities with his wife over the years.

Phil was very proud of his military service. He served in the Air Force from 1957 until 1961. He was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas and served in the 3909th Air Base Squadron (SAC) at the Royal Air Force Greenham Common in Berkshire, England as well as McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey before he was honorably discharged in 1961. 

Phil is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years Kathy, son Michael (Kate) Jones of Rolla, grandchildren Brittany (Andy) Hayes of St. Louis, Brock (Loree) Jones of Rolla, Cameron (Ciara) Fore of Rolla, Maddy (Chris) Hay of Joplin, Aiden Jones of Rolla, Nick (Hannah) of Rolla, Arianna Kaiser of Brunswick, Maine; and great grandchildren Kinley Farmer, Sutton Farmer, Cooper Fore, Carter Fore, Gage Jones, Owen Jones, as well as numerous extended family members and friends.

Phil was greatly loved by his wife and family and will be missed dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Douglas Jones, and a sister Marian Macomber.

Servies will be held Thursday October 10, 2024 at 11:00am at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Fort Leonard Wood with Chris Hay officiating. 

Donations can be made to the Humane Society or the National Park Foundation.